A Christmas Carol: The Musical at JC Players

Celebrate Christmas in July... and August!

The JC Players, now celebrating their 31st anniversary, are trying to beat the heat by bringing the holiday season to its stages in Queens this summer with performances of A Christmas Carol: The Musical. Theater-goers may recall A Christmas Carol: The Musical's long stint at the Theater at Madison Square Garden from 1994 to 2003. Now, the JC Players are bringing that fabulous wintertime tradition to Glendale and Middle Village this summer!

With glorious music and a well-known gorgeously told story, A Christmas Carol: The Musical is sure to delight audience members of all ages. Based on Charles Dickens' famous story, A Christmas Carol: The Musical tells the story of the cold and lonely Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man who mistreats others, dismisses the importance of Christmas and refuses to donate to charity. Scrooge is ultimately visited first by the ghost of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, and then by three other ghosts - those of Christmas Past, Present and Future. But in this version, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, audiences get not only this incredible story, but also a host of memorable and tuneful melodies that add a richness to the story and the staging.

As the JC Players always strive to make community theater about the community they serve, hundreds of area residents will get to enjoy the chill and the joy of holiday season - in air conditioned theaters - inside, even as outside, the heat and humidity abound.

The JC Players' production of A Christmas Carol: The Musical features an extraordinary cast and crew, including three generations of Queens residents and those both new and familiar to JC Players' fans. Led by the phenomenal director Barbara Auriemma, outstanding musical director Frank Auriemma and marvelous choreographer Christine Hinz, the JC Players infuse every show with the right mix of humor and drama, making you care about each character and the story they tell.

This performance stars the incomparable well-known local talent John DiBono as Ebenezer Scrooge. The superb DiBono is able to depict Scrooge's transformation with depth and care, showing us that Scrooge is much more than the unkind miser seen at the start of the show. By the end, you'll want to welcome DiBono - and his Scrooge - with open arms.

Surrounding DiBono through much of the show's dramatic arc are the dynamic actresses who portray the ghosts who lead our hero on his journey. The incredible Alicia Brosky portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Lamplighter. Then the stupendous Jennifer Silverman takes charge, in her portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Present and Sandwich Board. And finally, the sensational Nydia Blackshear portrays the Ghost of Christmas Future, the Blind Old Hag and Granny Chuzzelwit. The magnificent Christine Hinz, meanwhile, portrays Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Jacob Marley and Mrs. Smythe. At the heart of the story stands the Cratchit family, led by the splendid Vincent Bivona, as Bob Cratchit. The wonderful Lisa Vecchione plays Mrs. Cratchit and Mrs. Hawkins, while the delightful Pearl Blackshear plays Pearl Cratchit and Grace Smythe and the awesome Daniel Brosky portrays Tiny Tim. The glorious Michelle Zahzouhi portrays Martha Cratchit, in addition to Mrs. Fezziwig and Charity Woman.

Many of the other cast members play multiple roles, which makes it impossible to fully convey their talent and impact on the show. The tremendous Charles Hinz plays Mr. Fezziwig, Old Joe and Charity Man. The brilliant Bianca Zelaya portrays Emily and Mrs. Mops, while the remarkable Nick Gifford portrays Fred Anderson. In a play that spans a lifetime, you will also meet the astounding Charles P. Hinz as Young Scrooge, Scrooge's Father and Charity Man, the amazing Amy Ellis as Scrooge's mother and the astonishing Reilly Hinz as the Youngest Scrooge and Jonathon. Rounding out the esteemed cast are the fabulous Diane Close, who plays Beatrice, the fantastic Alina Robin, who plays Sally Anderson, Fan, and Poulterer, and the terrific Yves Romain who plays Harry and Judge. As with so many of the cast members, they too play multiple roles with ease.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical will open at Glendale-Maspeth United Methodist Church at 66-14 Central Avenue in Glendale on Friday, July 24th at 8 pm. It will continue in Glendale on Saturday, July 25th at 8 pm and Sunday July 26th at 3 pm. You can then catch A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Community United Methodist Church at 75-27 Metropolitan Avenue in MIddle Village on Saturday, August 1st at 8 pm and Sunday August 2nd at 3 pm.

Join JC Players for an afternoon or evening of joy, laughter song and holiday spirit. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors 65 and over and children 12 and under. Reserve your tickets NOW at www.jcplayers.weebly.com or by calling Randi Marshall at 917-647-7526 or emailing randi817@hotmail.com.

Don't miss out on this timeless and miraculous story. Reserve your tickets today.